Chinese New Year is one of the world’s most vibrant and colourful celebrations, and festivals can be found in cities around the globe in February every year. This year, the event will usher in the Year of the Dragon, which is associated with growth and abundance.
It’s possible to experience the festivities at home through local events and entertainment, but there are also some travel locations that put on unrivalled spectacles for Chinese New Year.
The Year of the Dragon
It’s time to say goodbye to the Year of the Rabbit and welcome the Year of the Dragon, which begins on the 10th of February 2024. In Chinese culture, the dragon is hugely important, and associated with success and honour. People in the eastern country believe that if you are born in the Year of the Dragon, you are destined for success and have the ambition to change the world.
Along with naming the years after animals, the Chinese also associate it with an element. This year, it’s the year of the Wood Dragon, which occurs once every 60 years.
Chinese New Year Themes Can Also be Enjoyed From Home
Chinese New Year is a great time for travel, with more than 308 million people traveling within China alone in 2023. Even so, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Chinese New Year without having to take a trip to the East. Many cities in Western countries have their own Chinatowns, and there are always huge events taking place in these locations every February.
You can also experience various forms of Chinese entertainment to get a taste of the celebrations from the comfort of your own home. Many streaming services now have access to Chinese films like The Farewell and Raise The Red Lantern, which provide a glimpse of the country’s culture. Thanks to live streaming, it’s also possible to watch Lunar New Year events unfold in various locations in real time.
There are even games based on the hugely important Chinese event, with Floating Dragon New Year Festival being a standout option. It’s a Megaways slot game with multiple win lines, and it captures the chaotic essence of the bustling event. Listed as one of the top games currently, it is a new way to discover Chinese culture.
Beijing and Singapore Are Great Spots to Visit
It may be too late to book a holiday for Chinese New Year this time around, but it’s handy to know the best places to visit in the future. Obviously, China itself is the pinnacle when it comes to experiencing this festival, with Beijing regarded as the best place to go. The Forbidden City is unmissable at this time of year, as it’s adorned with lanterns and amazing decorations.
Singapore has a huge Chinese population, making up around 75 per cent of the population. After China, this is another top place to enjoy Chinese New Year. If you ever manage to attend, Marina Bay is the place to be to see the River Hongbao Festival.
Chinese New Year offers a great excuse to learn about and enjoy the eastern country’s culture. It can be an excellent time to travel, but you can also easily enjoy the themes from the comfort of your own home.
